Road Trip Tip's from some who loves to travel by car.

The Mackiewicz Family Summer Road Trip, circa 1924. Garden of the Gods Colorado Springs, CO. This photo is of my father's family - which includes my grandmother, my uncles and my aunts on their road trip in 1924 in which they toured the U.S. from Michigan to California and back.

Road Trip Tips From Someone Who Loves to Travel by Car.

I have fond memories of summer from my youth - like most families summer vacation meant road trips. Nothing was more exciting then getting in the car and going someplace new - an adventure. Of course, as a child I didn't have to do the driving or worry about road conditions, all I had to do was get comfy in the back seat with all my favorite stuffed animal traveling buddies and look out the window. As I recall it really didn't matter where we were going, whether for a day trip or for an extended holiday - it was thrilling. We would drive through big cities, small towns, and farmlands, along the water's edge, or hug a mountain cliff, there was always something new to see. By car we could go anywhere. I loved traveling by car, in-fact I still do. Traveling by car is truly about getting there and not being there.

The Ford Motor Car Company celebrated its 100th year anniversary - Congratulations! Thank you Ford family for having the vision to help mobilize America!

Recently my husband and I drove from Portland, Oregon to Sacramento, CA and back again in an extended weekend - it was delightful. We spent quality time together, sometimes alone in our thoughts for miles on-end or we'd chat away the drive time recalling our favorite movies or songs. We talked about our childhood, revealing stories that neither of us had known about the other, even after all our years together - it's something about a road trip that seems to bring back memories.

Planning for a road trip is just as important as any other trip. As with all good journeys it starts with good planning and preparation. So to help get your summer car trip off on the right tire, I'm sharing my simple list of things that I do both before I leave and things I do along the way.

Before you leave:

Check your cell phone for its range (roaming charges add up fast).
Get maps, guides and travel brochures ahead. Surf the web for ideas and itineraries!
Memberships in automobile clubs and warehouse stores often have lodging and tourist discount privileges.
Be sure to have proper car seats for children. Make sure they're fasten properly.
If renting a vacation vechicle - ask for child car seats when making reservations.
Have your car well inspected and serviced to all manufacturers' recommendations.
Check your lights, signals, wiper blades (including the rear), horn, and radio.
Check fluid levels, belts, caps and hoses, and filters.
Check and adjust tire pressure (right tire pressure equals safer driving and better fuel consumption).
Make sure your spare tire is useable.
Have an emergency road kit packed with these and other items you may need:

Comforts for the Car: Check out our Comfort Travel section for the latest in products for your comfort.

Have a cooler filled with drinking water - See our New Back Seat Organizer Cooler
Have plently of healthy snack foods (low salt).
Have surprise goodie packs with activity toys when the "are we there yet?" starts.
Remember motion sickness remdies.
Blankets and pillows for sleepy passengers.
Wear comfortable, light, colored, loose fit clothing and shoes.
Take a comfort pack for each passenager - made-up of a damp washcloth, lemon twist, a couple of ice cubes tossed in a zip close bag. Great way to refresh after hours of driving.
Take along books on tape. If you have a DVD player - find road trip or destination related moives.

En-route:

Take the Scenic drives and turn outs. Get off the freeways and travel the back roads.
Arrange seating orders for children - switch along the way so everyone gets to see out a window.
Be sure to stop every couple of hours to stretch, re-fresh and take a break. Sitting for long periods can cause leg cramps or a condition known as DVT. Wearing specially designed socks for men and women help eliminate this condition.
If you haven't prearranged lodging be sure to start looking for your evening room around 3:00 p.m. Hotels and motels fill up later in the day, especially around heavy tourist areas. Use your cell phone to call ahead and reserve a room while still on en-route.
Hotel chains often have family discounts when lodging is pre-arranged. Ask for specials or upgrades.
Request hotel travel directories which list other facilities and plently of helpful information and maps.

Have fun and enjoy the summer - get out and "drive-the-land!" there's lots to see and it's always an adventure. Go out and make your own Road Trip Memories. I might just see you on the road!

Sign up on our E-mail list list to be notified of other new travel tips. Meanwhile, I hope you'll share your travel tales, experiences, likes and dislikes with us at: travel stories and travel tips.

Please let me know how I can assist you with your travel needs.

Cheers,

Annette
President & Co-founder


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